AboutCurtis Thorsen Expertise Hi there...if you have any type of cruise related questions i.e. cruiselines, ships itinerary,etc...our 25 + cruise experiences may be worth your questions regarding cruise travel ! We LOVE to chat about cruises and welcome any and all questions...if we can answer it off the top of our head, we know where to get the answers back to you :::pronto::::
Question QUESTION: Hi - my boyfriend and I are taking a cruise on RC in March porting at Cozumel & then Belize. We are a little short in funds but determined to do EVERYTHING we want while there AND get the best bang for our buck. Two things I have to do is snorkel and check out the ruins. Which port is better to do which? I've heard several things and I'm just confused. Do we snorkel in Cozumel and leave some time to shop & walk the Mayan ruins in Belize or do we do the ruins in Cozumel and snorkel in Belize as I've heard the snorkeling there is better.
This is our first cruise and we are hoping to have a GREAT experience! Thanks for your help!
ANSWER: Hi there... depending on how long you are in port will determine what port of cal is best for each tour you are considering....as for snorkelling, I would suggest Belize at "Shark Ray Alley" or the 'Blue Hole".....Coral Breeze Tours does a nice excursion that offers a snorkel and lunch adventure. For the ruins I would suggest Tulum for this and if your ship is in COZ ling enough, you would have time for this.
First cruises are Grrrrrrrrrrreat and I wish you the best in your adventures.
I will also suggest visiting www.cruisecritic.com and go to the ports of call message boards that can give you specifics on what you are seeking in Belize and COZ.....GREAT WEBSITE full of info and websites to tour operators that will get you the best BANG for your $$$ as well as personal suggestions from folks who have done what you are seeking already.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thanks so much this is a HUGE help. We are in our ports 8 hours each (I believe). Is that enough time? Unfortunately our cruise line does not offer either of these spots in Belize(I was so hoping for the Blue Hole!. Instead our options are Rendezvous Caye. Is that a worth while spot or should we look into booking something outside of the cruise and is that a safe option?
Again, thanks a million!
Answer Personally to Save the $$$ use an independant tour operator. Go to the www.cruisecritic website I suggested for personal opinions of tour operators used outside the cruiseline. 8 hours is enough time to do either tour....just advise the tour operator when your ship is setting sail and when you must be back. Remeber "All aboard" at minimum 1 hour before sailing time !
